I live in the city of Saginaw and was appalled when I received my water bill. My bill, based on comparable water-usage months, was at least $30 higher.

I went to the water department for an explanation and was told that City Council voted a rate hike and nothing could be done. I asked for a list of previous rates and new rates and this is what I was given:

Readiness to serve: $32.97, up to $39.70 (almost a $7 increase); water, $1.93 per 1,000 gallons to $2.11 per 1,000 gallons; sewer (which is charged for every drop of water, not what just goes down the drain), $2.56 to $4.14.

I believe the water rate increase is reasonable, but the sewer and readiness to serve rates are unreasonable and excessive. How can a city of laid off and struggling workers afford this?

It is time for the citizens of this city to stand up for themselves and demand fair treatment. No one will be able to maintain these rates for long and still be able to juggle all the other necessities of life in Saginaw.